After All This Time// Sebastian Sallow x Reader Hogwarts Legacy Fanfiction

I picked up the letter and stared at it, wondering what it might say. I knew it couldn't be good, whatever it was. Carefully opening the envelope, I pulled out its contents and unfolded the parchment. It was that same familiar handwriting I'd grown to hate. 

Dearest y/n,

I have decided that I have everything I need from you to proceed. Our weekly meetings are no longer necessary. 

I love to toy with you, so I thought I'd let you in on a little secret. 

I'm sure you've been aware of this for a while because of my letters, but I have found a way inside the castle. The protection wards in place are no match for how powerful I've become. 

You can expect to be seeing me very, very soon. Perhaps on a special evening? One coming up soon?

Or maybe not. I might be lying. 

You wouldn't know, though, would you?

That's the fun! I'm not typically a liar, so keep that in mind. When have I ever not kept my word?

When I come, you are to go with me. No questions asked. You are to be by my side as I put the last pieces of my plan into action. I will not tolerate any interference. 

But maybe I'm not coming at all. But then again... You know what I mean. 

Goodbye for now,

Charles xx

 I swiftly opened the bottom drawer of my nightstand and shoved the letter inside. I took a deep breath and sat on the edge of my bed, wondering what to do. 

On the one hand, he could be lying just to toy with me. But he was also right- he didn't usually lie to me in his letters. He always told me what his intentions were. I wouldn't have enough time to tell Sebastian and Ominis what might happen tonight. I kept my wand on me as I got myself ready, hiding it under my dress with a leg holster. 

Of course, he meant tonight. Charles was flamboyant and attention-seeking, so of course, he would choose tonight of all nights. 

When I got to the Great Hall, I did my best to act like nothing was the matter. It wasn't a good place to talk to Sebastian about it, with everyone swarming the room. And then the dancing started as soon as we entered the hall. 

Everything just happened so fast after that. 

The lights were low, the other students were scared, and the enchanted ceiling was going nuts. This was it. 

I searched through the crowd for any of the teachers, but I couldn't spot any for some reason. 

Sebastian asked me what was happening, and I told him that Charles was here to take me and not interfere. Sebastian wasn't having it. He was gripping my arm, refusing to let me go. 

"Sebastian, you don't know what you're doing," I pleaded. 

"We know exactly what we're doing," Ominis said, grabbing my other arm. "You are to go nowhere without us."

We slowly backed away from the center of the room until we hit a wall. Natty also followed us over. 

The hall doors suddenly opened again, and a group of witches and wizards poured in, blocking all the exits. Some grabbed students and held them hostage in the middle of the room. Then, the candles on the headmaster's podium lit up at the front of the hall, and a familiar face was illuminated. 

Charles. 

"Welcome to the Snow Ball, everyone," he said, his voice sounding throughout the room. The enchanted instruments finally stopped playing, and an eerie silence filled the room as everyone awaited what was to come. "I've only come here with one purpose tonight. Somebody here has promised me something, and I'm here to collect."

A few whispers bounced around, and the quiet tears of a few students could be heard. I needed to do something and fast. I didn't need anyone else getting hurt because of me. My heart pounded as I slinked against the walls, trying to get closer to Charles. Maybe I could get a shot from here. I didn't think he knew where I was just yet. Sebastian and Ominis were still clinging to me, and I knew they both hoped I wouldn't do anything rash. But it seemed that doing something bold might be my last option if everyone was to get out of here unharmed. 

Poppy and Garreth were suddenly with us too. "What's going on?" Poppy whispered. "this is about you, isn't it?"

"Where did all the teachers go? I hadn't even noticed until now that they weren't in the room when we all showed up. You don't think he did something to them, do you? And who the hell even is this guy?"

I sighed. "It's a long story."

"I am looking for y/n. Turn her over to me, and no one gets hurt." 

Students started to look around the room, and a few sets of eyes fell on me. Ominis and Sebastian shoved themselves before me, trying to block me from the other student's view. 

I tried to devise a plan, but I wasn't sure what to do.

"I need to get closer," I told Sebastian. "If I can sneak by unnoticed, maybe I can get a clean shot and get it over with."

"But what about the other students?" Poppy interjected, looking around the room. "If we try something new, they might hurt the other students."

I cursed under my breath. 

Think, y/n, you need to think! 

"We might all have to fight to get out of here in one piece," Sebastian said.

"No. I don't want anyone putting their life on the line for me. I created this issue; I have to fix it myself." 

Everyone frowned at my words. 

"When are you going to learn that you can depend on us, too?" natty said. "You have helped all of us in one way or another when our lives were on the line, yet you don't think you deserve the same."

"She's right," Ominis said. "You need to stop trying to face these things alone."

"Then what do you suggest we do?" I argued. 

The group was silent for a moment before Sebastian spoke up. 

"I think I have an idea."